Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks

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Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks is a 33-year law enforcement veteran with significant municipal policing experience. As of May 29, 2012, she assumed leadership responsibilities for the Santa Monica Police Department as its 17th Chief of Police. Chief Seabrooks is no stranger to Santa Monica; her law enforcement career with the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) spanned 25 years. After joining SMPD, in 1982, she served as a patrol officer, background investigator, training officer, and academy drill instructor. In 1990, she was the first woman to promote and serve as a Police Sergeant. She continued this trend of “firsts” when in 1996, she promoted to Police Lieutenant and in 2000, to Police Captain. For a brief period in 2006, she was the first woman to ever serve as the Department’s interim Chief when she did so during a leadership transition period. Before joining the SMPD, Chief Seabrooks served just over one year as a State Police Officer with the California State Police Division; at 19 years of age, she was one of the youngest police officers in the State when she served with the Los Angeles Office. From October 2007 through May 2012, Chief Seabrooks was at the helm of the Inglewood Police Department. As the first woman to hold the Department’s top executive position in that organization’s 100 plus year history, Chief Seabrooks provided leadership and direction as the organization successfully navigated various financial, personnel, and other internal challenges, to include an investigation by the U.S. Justice Department. Under her leadership, the City of Inglewood’s crime rates declined to levels not seen since the mid 1970’s; the Department’s risk management profile improved substantially; and the Department strengthened its relationship with the community.

Chief Seabrooks, a Los Angeles native, brings a balanced wealth of knowledge and experience to Santa Monica after having served in a number of capacities throughout her law enforcement career. Her career reflects a balanced blend of both administrative and operational experience. Additionally, Chief Seabrooks has a strong teaching and training background. She was instrumental in developing and implementing a cultural competencies program for police personnel. As a result of her efforts, the Museum of Tolerance has enjoyed strong, long-term support for its law enforcement programs. She has taught law enforcement audiences across the country; provided recruit training at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Academy; and she continues to address police executives on topics including crisis communication and risk management.

Chief Seabrooks holds both Masters and Bachelor’s degrees in Public Policy and Administration from CSU, Long Beach and CSU, Dominguez Hills respectively.She is a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Police, and the Supervisory Leadership Institute. Chief Seabrooks has also served as an adjunct faculty member at area colleges in the field of Criminal Justice. Chief Seabrooks holds an Executive Certificate from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). She is a member of various professional organizations and she serves on the Board of the California Police Chiefs’ Association.

Chief Seabrooks is delighted to once again work alongside the men and women of the Santa Monica Police Department on behalf of the community.